(WHAS11) - The body of a Fort Knox soldier has been recovered from the Salt River in West Point, Kentucky.

The Hardin County coroner says 19-year-old Army Specialist “Joe Don Land” of Colorado may have drowned in the river yesterday.

His body was pulled from the river this morning, just near the Jefferson County line.

He was wearing what appeared to be homemade rappelling equipment.

Police say he and seven other soldiers were swimming in the river; some jumping off a railroad bridge.  One soldier was rescued and airlifted to a hospital, where he’s still being treated tonight.

Fort Knox is investigating.

Brigadier General Donald Campbell says:

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the soldier, and I am extremely thankful for the assistance of the local authorities in search efforts.”

An autopsy for Land has been scheduled.

Web story produced by Chas Kuhn